Paje bats for biotech to address environmental issues

MANILA, Philippines - Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Ramon Paje is pushing for the use of biotechnology to address critical environmental issues facing the country, particularly in overcoming challenges brought about by global warming like droughts, food security, and mitigating the impacts of natural disasters.

According to Paje, there is an immense potential from biotechnology in protecting and enhancing the quality of the environment.

“The potential benefits of biotechnology in environmental management could not be overemphasized,” he said, stressing that biotechnology can greatly help improve the water quality of rivers and other waterways as well as enhance the reforestation of the country’s denuded forestlands.

He pointed out the benefits of the safe use of  biotechnology in agriculture and medicine.

However, he also acknowledged the many issues confronting biotechnology— particularly the alleged impact of genetically-modified organisms or GMOs on people’s health, animals and the environment.

But based on Executive Order 514, which established the National Biosafety Framework and Strengthening the National Committee on Biosafety of the Philippines, the DENR is mandated to ensure that environmental assessments are carried out and impacts identified in the release of genetically-modified organisms or GMOs in the field.